Stargazer glides beneath the shelter of the point. The water flat. The breeze stilled.
Close reaching upriver, under mainsail, whilst I ready lines and fenders on the foredeck.
Our day had begun with a delightful discovery: Eric Tabarly's nineteenth century, Fife built, gaff cutter had quietly slipped into Port Louis overnight. The original Pen Duick.
Come to join the race boats (Pen Duick's ll, lll and V), named in her honour. Which had arrived the previous afternoon. Accounting for the requirement that we leave, to create more room for classics.
Our dawn audience done, Stargazer sweeps out to sea, under full sail.
Forking east, into the Passe du Sud, once the citadel is astern.
Reaching south, along the shores of the Quiberon peninsula, in a perfect sixteen to eighteen knots of breeze.
To catch the turn of the tide, through the Passage de Teignouse. With its gin bottle lighthouse and pot boats gently rolling on the swell.
To arrive amid the myriad waterborne comings and goings, of La Trinite Sur Mer, on a Saturday afternoon in sailing season.
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